At the end of the story, Walter is waiting outside for his wife and immerses himself in a vivid daydream where he faces a firing squad, a final escape from his ordinary existence.
Walter Mitty's Final Act
In the closing moments of the narrative, Walter Mitty is depicted in a characteristic state of transition between his mundane reality and his rich inner world. He is specifically waiting outside for his wife, a common, unremarkable act that underscores the dullness of his daily life. However, even in this seemingly uneventful setting, Walter's mind takes flight into an elaborate fantasy.
The Climactic Daydream
His final daydream is particularly dramatic and poignant: he imagines himself facing a firing squad. This isn't just a casual thought; it's an intense, heroic scenario where he confronts danger with defiance and bravery.
- Location: Outside, presumably a street or public space, while his wife is occupied.
- Action: Passive waiting in reality, but active, defiant heroism in his mind.
- Symbolism: The firing squad represents the ultimate test of courage and a dramatic end, a stark contrast to his meek demeanor in real life.
The Purpose Behind the Fantasies
Walter's elaborate daydreams are not random occurrences but serve a crucial psychological purpose. They are a coping mechanism, a way for him to:
- Escape Mundane Reality: His life is characterized by routine, boredom, and often, the nagging of his wife. These intense fantasies provide a thrilling alternative to his uneventful existence.
- Fulfill Unmet Desires: In his daydreams, Walter is always the hero – a daring surgeon, a skilled pilot, a confident commander, or, as in the end, a brave man facing certain death with dignity. These roles allow him to experience the excitement, admiration, and control that are absent from his real life.
- Assert Identity: The daydreams allow him to craft an identity far grander and more significant than the one he inhabits in reality, offering a sense of purpose and self-worth that he cannot find otherwise.
This final daydream, facing a firing squad with a "haughty, insouciant" air, encapsulates the essence of Walter Mitty's character. It is a powerful, self-willed act of defiance against the drabness of his life, solidifying his identity as the unconquerable hero of his own secret world.
Reality vs. Daydream: A Comparison
The stark contrast between Walter's reality and his elaborate daydreams is central to understanding his character.
| Aspect | Walter's Reality at the End | Walter's Daydream at the End |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Outside, waiting for wife | Facing a firing squad |
| Activity | Passive waiting | Confronting danger bravely |
| Emotion | Mundane, perhaps frustrated | Defiant, heroic, fearless |
| Purpose | Escaping boredom | Escaping mundane reality |
This final daydream is one of many such intense escapes that Walter employs throughout the story, each serving as a vital outlet for his suppressed desires for adventure, importance, and recognition.
